Graphene Oxide Topical Administration: Skin Permeability Studies

Abstract

Nanostructured carriers have been widely used in pharmaceutical formulations for dermatological treatment. They offer targeted drug delivery, sustained release, improved biostability, and low toxicity, usually presenting advantages over conventional formulations. Due to its large surface area, small size and photothermal properties, graphene oxide (GO) has the potential to be used for such applications. Nanographene oxide (GOn) presented average sizes of 197.6 ± 11.8 nm, and a surface charge of −39.4 ± 1.8 mV, being stable in water for over 6 months. 55.5% of the mass of GOn dispersion (at a concentration of 1000 µg mL−1) permeated the skin after 6 h of exposure. GOn dispersions have been shown to absorb near-infrared radiation, reaching temperatures up to 45.7 °C, within mild the photothermal therapy temperature range. Furthermore, GOn in amounts superior to those which could permeate the skin were shown not to affect human skin fibroblasts (HFF-1) morphology or viability, after 24 h of incubation. Due to its large size, no skin permeation was observed for graphite particles in aqueous dispersions stabilized with Pluronic P-123 (Gt–P-123). Altogether, for the first time, Gon’s potential as a topic administration agent and for delivery of photothermal therapy has been demonstrated.

Enhancement of Self-Healing Efficacy of Conductive Nanocomposite Hydrogels by Polysaccharide Modifiers

“…According to the manufacturer, rGO should have a flake size > 100 µm, but it was measured at 200–600 nm with a peak at 360.8 nm. All the used particles had larger diameters than human skin pores, where no penetration was expected [ 31 ].…”

The Emerging Role of Ionic Liquid-Based Approaches for Enhanced Skin Permeation of Bioactive Molecules: A Snapshot of the Past Couple of Years

“…As such, recent reports on use of AgNPs, or even of other inorganic NCs, for DTD of [bio]pharmaceuticals are relatively scarce. Notwithstanding, graphene oxide-based NCs have been lately highlighted for topical applications [ 108 ], including as bioactive agents able to tackle cSSTI per se [ 109 , 110 ]. Other carbon-based inorganic NCs have also been explored to tackle skin disorders, with emphasis on wound healing and control of cSSTI, as recently revised elsewhere [ 111 ].…”

Environmental and Health Impacts of Graphene and Other Two-Dimensional Materials: A Graphene Flagship Perspective

“…188 This observation was confirmed using human skin samples (thickness: 0.8 mm, from one healthy donor) and Franz diffusion cells: GO (average size: 197.6 nm; concentration range: 300−1000 μg/mL) permeated the skin in a timedependent manner, with about 55% of the total GO permeating within 6 h exposure. 189 Regarding skin sensitization, GNPs (<2 μm) were tested following the OECD TG 442D. 186 The procedure evaluates the ability to activate keratinocytes in vitro as the second key phase of skin sensitization adverse outcome pathway (AOP).…”